Hey y'all! Get ready to fall in love with a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up right at home—our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken! This dish is the ultimate comfort food: juicy Chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce guaranteed to make your taste buds sing whether it's a busy weeknight or a special family dinner. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that's sure to become a regular at your table. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes for a no-fuss dinner.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults alike rave about its rich, cheesy flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.
- Minimal cleanup: All cooked in one skillet for less mess.
- Restaurant quality: Creamy texture and savory aromatics make it feel extra special!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 to 1.5 lbs total)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don't let it brown. Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer; let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Finish
Return the chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well-coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips
- For extra juicy chicken, try pounding the breasts to even thickness before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, smoothest sauce (pre-shredded can make it gritty); learn more about grating cheese from Serious Eats.
- Don’t overcook chicken to keep it tender and moist. A kitchen thermometer is a great tool—see this safe cooking guide for more info.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Variations
- Spinach & Mushroom: Add 1 cup baby spinach and ½ cup sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies.
- Low-Carb: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Required Equipment for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen thermometer
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Serving Ideas
- Spoon over al dente pasta, buttery mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted broccoli for a balanced meal.
Pro Tips for Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Results
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer—boiling can cause the cream to separate, resulting in a less smooth texture (cream sauce tips from Bon Appétit).
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
- Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for presentation and boosted flavor.
FAQ: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and may be even juicier. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
- How can I lighten up this recipe?
- Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk; the sauce won’t be as rich but will still taste delicious.
- Can I make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
- You can prep the components up to a day ahead, but the sauce is best made fresh for optimal creaminess.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
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1Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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5Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is creamy.
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6Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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